FRANKLIN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
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FRANKLIN MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 COLLEGE SUITING UP From broadcast journalist to committed volunteer, Rafael Sánchez ’92 is always prepared. Pg. 30
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 2 Franklin College MAGAZINE
CHAD WILLIAMS
Franklin’s sprawling mall, benches, patios and shade trees encourage spending time
enjoying nature and learning outdoors. Here, Taylor Tatlock ’23 and Dalen Williams ’23
ditch their devices, swapping “screen time” for “green time.”
SPRING 2022 3
FRANKLIN
C
CHAD WILLIAMS
COLLEGE
PRESIDENT’S
MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
Volume LVIII, No. 2
MESSAGE
Contributing Staff
Director of Communications
Deidra Baumgardner
Editor
Amy (Kean) VerSteeg ’96
Staff Writer
Brenda (Thom) Ferguson ’95
Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
Ryan Thomas
Dear Alumni and Friends, Senior Leadership
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
This issue of the alumni magazine is celebrating much of the good that exists in Dana Cummings
the world thanks, in part, to the impact of the Franklin College experience. As we
Submissions and Changes
emerge from the pandemic but witness other trauma throughout the world, it is For content submissions, email aversteeg@
inspiring to read about how our students, faculty, staff and especially our alumni FranklinCollege.edu or call 317.738.8188. For
address and phone changes, email recordupdates@
are influencing the campus community and the wider world in such positive and FranklinCollege.edu or call 317.738.8052. Mail
inspiring ways. correspondence to Franklin College Magazine,
Attn: Amy Kean VerSteeg, 101 Branigin Boulevard,
Franklin, Indiana 46131-2623.
There is also an exciting glimpse of the internships, xternships and study-away
opportunities that are empowering Franklin students to connect their academic Franklin College Magazine
Published three times annually. Copyright by Franklin
experience to their community, workplace and meaningful civic engagement. College.
Background
Together, these stories show how Grizzlies are leading with competence and Founded in 1834, Franklin College is a residential liberal
arts and sciences institution located 20 minutes south of
integrity to help create the kind of world they want to see. They embody the spirit Indianapolis. Franklin offers a wide array of undergraduate
majors as well as master’s degree programs in Physician
of independent thinking, innovation and action at the heart of our mission, and it Assistant Studies and Athletic Training. The unique
is rewarding to read about this level of commitment and success. curriculum merges classroom instruction with immersive
experiences, research opportunities and study-away
programs. Our goal is to prepare career-ready graduates for
As Franklin College approaches two centuries of preparing graduates as successful today’s global professions and those of the future. Small
classes enable students to thrive through personal peer
professionals and engaged citizens, we recognize and recommit to the importance interaction and mentorship from professors who challenge
and inspire them to think critically and perform confidently.
of that mission. Grizzlies everywhere inspire us to build on the College’s strengths, Students participate in a vibrant co-curriculum that includes
21 NCAA Division III sports, Greek life, musical and theatre
adapt with the rapidly changing world and pursue the future of higher education productions, and more than 40 student organizations. As the
first college in Indiana to become coeducational with the
with confidence. We know that Franklin College matters to the world in very admission of women, Franklin welcomes diversity of thought,
significant ways. belief and person into a community that values equity and
inclusion. Franklin College maintains a voluntary association
with the American Baptist Churches USA.
Our work to continue enhancing the Franklin experience in the 21st century Nondiscrimination Policy
is a collaborative effort that requires the very best efforts of each of our Franklin College is committed to the principle and practice
of equal opportunity for all its students, faculty, employees
constituencies. Faculty and staff must continue to innovate, students must and applicants for admission and employment. For that
reason, the College provides equal employment opportunities
continue to demand and produce excellence, and alumni and friends must on the basis of merit and without regard to the individual’s
race, color, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin,
continue to invest time, treasure and talent to ensure institutional growth marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with state
and progress. and federal laws and any other characteristic protected by
law. The College prohibits, forbids and will not tolerate any
verbal, physical or other conduct that belittles or demeans
any individual on the basis of the above-listed statuses.
We have so much of which to be incredibly proud at Franklin College, and we All employees, managers, supervisors and job applicants
must challenge ourselves to maintain an ambitious agenda that demands our are covered by this commitment. No person or employee,
no matter his or her title or position, has the authority
best efforts and delivers the best results. Thank you for being such a critical expressed, actual, apparent or implied to discriminate against
any employee of the College. This policy applies to all terms
component of this exciting journey. and conditions of employment, admission to and enrollment
in Franklin College, including, but not limited to, recruitment,
selection, hiring, benefits, educational policies, admission
Sincerely, policies, financial aid, scholarship and loan programs,
housing, athletic and other College-administered programs
and activities.
On the Cover
Rafael Sánchez ’92 is the co-anchor of
“Good Morning Indiana” and lead field anchor
KERRY PRATHER
on breaking news and political coverage.
FRANKLIN COLLEGE PRESIDENT PHOTO BY CHAD WILLIAMS
Follow Us
4 Franklin College MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
LEARNING BY DOING 6 COATS OF HONOR 10 HARNESSING LIFE’S LESSONS 24
PRIZE WRITERS 26 SUITING UP 30 GAME OF LIFE 36
Featured Stories
8 INTERSECTING ART + TECHNOLOGY
View student work, and get a glimpse of the creative process behind 3D sculpting and
stop-motion animation.
18 LANDMARK LEADERS
Learn how the Leadership Johnson County Program at Franklin College helped inspire a team’s
service project honoring Black leaders who have impacted the city of Franklin.
30 SUITING UP
Discover why WRTV newscaster and investigative reporter Rafael Sánchez ’92 owns a mobile
wardrobe and calls volunteerism his main “hobby.”
SPRING 2022 5
learning by doing
The month of January, better known as
Immersive Term at Franklin College, is a
period between the fall and spring semester
when students focus on special interests
and personal goals, while earning academic
credit and building career skills. Depending
on where students are in their academic
journey, they may be eligible for internships
or study-away courses to domestic and
international destinations, or they may take a
single course that examines a contemporary
issue through a combination of experiences
including traditional classroom learning
and off-campus collaborations such as
volunteerism or visits to cultural sites and
businesses. A sampling of recent opportuni-
ties is showcased here.
Taylor Tatlock ’23 and seven Franklin College peers interned
with Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone,
Minnesota, and received training on tracking wolves and other
Northwoods carnivores. From navigating the wilderness with
map and compass and cross-country skiing to collect data, to
riding in a small plane and using telemetry equipment to locate
roaming wolves, Tatlock experienced life as a wildlife ecologist.
She said, “My current plans are to be a secondary education
biology teacher, and I want to pursue a master’s degree in a
branch of ecology. Having this experience and learning about
wolves opened my eyes to options.”
PHOTO BY SAMANTHA SCHICK ’24
Approaches to Poverty in the U.S. is a course that took students to the Interchurch Food Pantry
of Johnson County, where they gained insights about food insecurity and helped sort
donations. Later, the pantry posted to Facebook: “We are grateful to professor Angie
(Hughes) Walls ’88 for her commitment to teaching students about the most vulnerable in
our communities and allowing them to bridge the gap between theory and practice. We are
inspired by these young people who want to understand the big, complicated issues of our times
and make the world a better place.” Pictured are Marcel Campbell ’23 and Shay McRath ’24.
PHOTO BY SCARLETT SYSE
6 Franklin College MAGAZINE
Documenting Architecture, Culture
and Landscape through Smart
Phone Travel Photography was
the theme of a study-away course
in Puerto Rico. Students and
their faculty/staff chaperones
visited sites such as Old San Juan,
El Yunque National Forest and
Camuy River Cave Park. A highlight
was their visit to Cueva del Indio,
a cave surrounded by dramatic
cliffs that face the Atlantic Ocean.
Rock carvings on the cave walls
predate the arrival of Christopher
Columbus in 1493. Pictured are
Brooke Madon ’23, Eli Cochrane ’24,
Noah Harris ’23, Maci French ’22,
Rutendo Nyamadzawo ’22, Maggie
McComas ’22 and Andres Guerra ’22. Students made wooden watercraft from scratch in the Build and Paddle Your Own Canoe course.
Along the way, students navigated communication challenges, explored woodworking techniques
PHOTO BY RANDI FRYE and used their creativity and problem-solving skills. They also learned about the timber industry
from foresters with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and visited a Johnson County
lumber mill to see an example of how timber finds its way into finished products around the
world. Pictured clockwise around the table are Jason Mantooth ’24, Jacob Hall ’25, Sarah O’Day ’24,
Alex Cummings ’25 and Brantley Wathen ’24.
PHOTO BY JEREMY VANANDEL
SPRING 2022 7
Jaden Herbst ’25 and Clowes Visiting Artist Chris Sickels (background)
Clowes Visiting Artist Chris Sickels and Sarah Mendoza ’25
8 Franklin College MAGAZINE
PHOTOS BY AMY (KEAN) VERSTEEG ’96
INTERSECTING
ART + TECHNOLOGY
Immersive Term offered students a unique character-building
opportunity, and the chance to learn from an award-winning
3D illustrator.
The Clowes Visiting Artist program at Franklin College brought illustrator Chris Sickels to campus
to teach in January. His course involved students in designing and constructing a 3D character, then
bringing it to life through the magic of stop-motion animation. The animation technique involves
photographing static objects, repositioning them and capturing the incremental changes frame by
frame. With computer software, the frames are edited together to create a short video in which the
character illustrates a story.
Students had to conceive their character, sketch its image and then construct its 3D representation
using modeling clay, wire, bits of plastic, fabric remnants and other “junk.” Having grown up on a
farm, Sickels has a deep appreciation for resourcefulness and still today incorporates found objects
in his own work.
The students’ whimsical 3D characters included a hybrid crab-octopus, face-snatching phantom
and yoga guru, among others. After several days of fabrication, the students spent significant time
photographing their characters and using editing software to create a short, looping animation.
The class culminated with an art exhibit at the Johnson Center for Fine Arts. The students displayed
their 3D characters, showed the animations on a large screen and gave a panel discussion about
what they learned, enjoyed and even disliked about the creative process.
Sickels also exhibited some of his work at the College, and he participated in a Q&A session with
attendees. He is the author and illustrator of The Look Book. His illustrations also appear in New York
Times best-selling titles such as Here Comes the Garbage Barge and The Beginners Guide to Running
Away from Home. He has worked with corporate clients, including The New Yorker, Target, Random
House Books, Scholastic and Pepsi. The Society of Illustrators has awarded him three gold and one
silver medal for his still- and animated-illustrations. His films have screened at the Los Angeles Shorts
International Film Festival and the Montreal Stop-Motion Film Festival. Sickels owns and creates
within Red Nose Studio, based in Greenfield, Indiana.
A $50,000 grant from the Allen W. Clowes Foundation supports the Clowes Visiting Artist Endowment
Fund and biennial visiting artist program at Franklin College. J
SPRING 2022 9
LeAndra Yates ’23, Bailey Wulle ’23 and Peyton Stewart ’23
HONOR
COATS OF
Twenty-four students recently celebrated reaching
the halfway point of completion in their graduate
program, the Master of Science in Physician
Assistant Studies. Students have come from as
far as Oregon and Connecticut to be part of the
program at Franklin.
A White Coat Ceremony in December inside the College’s Richardson Chapel. presentation to Johnson Memorial
2021 marked their rite of passage. Additionally, MSPAS Program Director Health physician Christopher Zietlow,
The white coat symbolizes profession- and Assistant Professor of Physician M.D., Ph.D. He is board-certified in
alism and the humanism of balancing Assistant Studies Jasmina Cheeseman internal medicine, holds a doctorate
excellence in science with compas- gave remarks, and Franklin College in biochemistry and has more than
sionate patient care. At Franklin, the President Kerry Prather recognized a decade of experience in patient
white coat also marks the students’ the students for their persistence medicine, including intensive care
transition from didactic to clinical toward realizing their health care expertise. The Franklin faculty
training. career goal. Class President Mackenzie thanked Zietlow for his community
Coleman ’23 also addressed the room. partnership with the College, and
Ceremony highlights included the students praised his excellence as a
students’ recitation of a medical oath Rounding out the ceremony was mentor and instructor.
witnessed by their family and friends the Preceptor of the Year Award
FELLOWSHIP SHAPING THE FUTURE
A competitive postgraduate fellowship executive mentorship and civic are eager to
SUBMITTED
program aimed at developing the next engagement. observe how
generation of business leaders and he will make
entrepreneurs as well as supporting “I look forward to growing personally an impact at
the talent pipeline for innovative and professionally alongside my new SupplyKick,”
Indianapolis-area companies has colleagues and Fellows here in the said Emily
selected Jarrett Dodson ’21 for Hoosier state,” said Dodson. “I am Jones ’09, assis-
participation. Dodson began the Orr excited to learn and grow as I begin tant professor
Fellowship program in December, my career.” of accounting.
after graduating. “Jarrett was
Dodson’s host company is SupplyKick,
a pleasure
With an average applicant pool of a business-to-business consulting Jarrett Dodson ’21
to work with
1,200 and an acceptance rate of only firm in Fishers. He will work as a
in the classroom and always was
6%, the program primarily recruits marketing specialist at the firm
willing to share ideas and experienc-
from top seniors at universities in the through December 2023, fulfilling his
es, and be challenged. We know the
Midwest. Fellows receive a full-time two-year Orr Fellowship commitment.
business skills he developed through
salaried position with a host his liberal arts education and college
“The economics, business and
company and ongoing opportunities experiences will transfer well into the
accounting department faculty at
for professional development, business profession.”
Franklin are very proud of Jarrett and
10 Franklin College MAGAZINESOMETHING TO
Congratulations, MSPAS Class of ’23:
SINGABOUT
Andrea Alarcon
Clayton Anderson
Alyssa Andreis
Taylor Burgess
Emily Carder
Mackenzie Coleman
Seven of 12 Franklin College students earned honors
Austin Combs
during the Fall 2021 vocal competition hosted by the
Camrie Goodson
Indiana Chapter of the National Association of
Samantha Horn
Teachers of Singing (NATS). They competed against
Darian Huff
students representing Indiana, Butler, Ball State,
Emily Ledford
Notre Dame and Indiana State universities, among
Danica Luc
others. Further, Franklin College produced the most
Joselyn Mercer
winners among the institutions represented in the
Kylee Moody
musical theatre category.
Taylor Moses
Adam Raschko The annual contest, open to all students of NATS
Abigail Rivas members, prompted assistant professor of music and
Emily Roberts voice director Eric DeForest, DMA, to encourage his
Marissa Shoemaker students’ participation in both the musical theatre and
Peyton Stewart classical music categories. Students entered the virtual
Gabrielle Weaver competition by submitting performance videos.
Taylor Weston
Bailey Wulle DeForest said, “I am so very proud of each and every
LeAndra Yates one of my students who entered this competition. They
worked so hard to hone their skills, and having results
like this is a testament to how that hard work can pay
off! It brings me so much joy to see them succeed!”
Along with an award certificate, students received a
small cash prize. Winners included:
FIRST PLACE:
Nate Irskens ’24, musical theatre adult tenor/baritone/
Upon program completion, some bass category
Fellows follow entrepreneurial dreams
and start their own companies. Others SECOND PLACE:
negotiate new positions within their Colleen Kincaid ’23, third-year musical theatre treble
host company or find jobs with other Rachel Krodel ’22, fourth-year musical theatre treble
hosts through Fellowship networking. Elizabeth Sekhon ’25, first-year musical theatre treble
And some Fellows choose graduate
school to continue their education.
THIRD PLACE:
Dylan Campbell ’22, second/third/fourth-year
Dodson said he was encouraged musical theatre tenor/baritone/bass
to apply for the program by Erica Jadyn List ’24, second-year musical theatre treble
Irish ’21, current Fellow and better Natalie Wilson ’22, fourth-year musical theatre treble
product company manager for
View all the winning performances on YouTube, at
Innovatemap. Brody Perrine ’17,
tinyurl.com/2p93hjm3. J
now a project manager at ADESA,
was the first-ever Franklin College
graduate to serve an Orr Fellowship. J
SPRING 2022 11LEARNING THE LAND
Franklin Mayor
Steve Barnett,
Harry “Mac”
McNaught, spouse
Sarah McNaught,
Franklin
College President
Kerry Prather
BRENDA (THOM) FERGUSON ’95
PICTURING THE FUTURE
A $500,000 estate commitment from a longtime Franklin
resident and retired photography business owner will establish
and endow the Phil Smith Engaged Learning Fund at Franklin
College. The fund will provide students financial assistance for
travel and immersive learning activities in pre-medical studies
and field biology.
Plans for the fund were announced at a luncheon on March 9. Science students, faculty, members,
institutional advancement staff and the college president attended to recognize and thank Smith.
During the luncheon, examples of Smith’s photography were shared for guests’ enjoyment.
Smith’s own education led to Ball State University, but he said Franklin College always has felt like
“home.” In part, because he once lived in a house where the Napolitan Student Center now stands,
and because throughout his 31-year freelance photography career, he accepted many Franklin College
assignments. His photos of commencement ceremonies, athletics, student activities and campus
celebrations endure in the college archives.
Smith said, “Franklin College has been a meaningful and important part of my life and career. So for
me to be able to give back to the College provides a deep sense of personal fulfillment.”
12 Franklin College MAGAZINEA $1.8 million gift of real estate from Southpoint Farm, LLC, will support
academic program growth in natural sciences and environmental studies at
Franklin College by providing a field station for botany and ecology studies
and research. The property, of approximately 29 acres, is located on Forest
Road in Franklin, near campus.
Southpoint Farm, formerly “The College’s active and to receive another land Prather. “This type of gift
known as Franklin Tech thoughtful use of Hougham donation from Mac to helps shape and enrich the
Park Associates, LLC, also Woods to expand under- further our field biology immersive learning
gifted the College 32 acres graduate and faculty classes. We would not experiences that are at the
in 2008. That property, east research initiatives is be able to offer our heart of the Franklin College
of campus, is known as absolutely phenomenal,” students the incredible curriculum. Like Hougham
Hougham Woods Biological said McNaught. “We know experiences we do without Woods, this property will
Field Station. Southpoint this new gift will play a his generosity, commitment enhance the experience
Farm President Harry significant role in further and support of our our science students and
“Mac” McNaught said the enhancing the educational conservation efforts and faculty enjoy for many years
College’s commitment to experiences available to field program.” to come.” J
responsible land steward- students.”
ship and greater mission “The College is very grateful
of furthering the education Professor of biology to Southpoint Farm and
of young people prompted Alice Heikens, Ph.D., Mac for this generous
the latest gift. said, “We are excited gift,” said President Kerry
CHAD WILLIAMS
Smith, an avid traveler, is eager to give others the
opportunity to explore new places and discover different
perspectives.
Smith said, “I want to provide an opportunity for students
and faculty to learn more about their chosen profession,
beyond the classroom. It gives me great pleasure knowing
they will have the opportunity to learn from a variety
of people, places and cultures in order to broaden their
knowledge on the topics they are studying.”
Dana Cummings, vice president for institutional advance-
ment, commended Smith for his foresight and generosity.
She said, “Planned gifts are a critical piece of the puzzle
toward maintaining the transformational experience
students receive at the College. Donors like Phil have a
very specific passion and vision about higher education
opportunities, and we are extremely grateful for his Biology/ecology major Taylor Tatlock ’23, assistant professor of
generous support.” J biology Katharine Harris, Ph.D., Phil Smith, associate professor of
biology Ben O’Neal, Ph.D., professor of biology Alice Heikens, Ph.D.,
and biology/premed major Shelby Keith ’24
SPRING 2022 13RENEE KEAN ’06
Sandy (Mock) Napolitan ’60, Ph.D.,
and spouse Jim (HD ’12), Ph.D.,
a Franklin College Trustee
ADVANCING
PSYCHOLOGY
Franklin College Trustee Jim Napolitan (HD ’12), Ph.D., and his spouse,
Sandy (Mock) ’60, Ph.D., have established an endowed departmental fund
for psychology.
The Napolitan-Mock backgrounds. Jim has a “With this fund, we
acknowledge the
Endowed Fund in Psychol- bachelor’s degree from
ogy will help recognize and Harvard University and
outstanding faculty
reward the student or team a doctorate from the
of students presenting the University of Illinois
work which undergirds
top undergraduate research Chicago, both in psychology.
project each year, and Sandy has a doctorate in
provide additional depart-
mental funding to help
social service administra-
tion from the University of student research in the
sustain and expand the
undergraduate research
Chicago. It is important to
the couple to help advance
psychology department.”
program well into the the psychology field by
JIM NAPOLITAN (HD ’12), PH.D.
future. supporting research and
discovery, and particularly
“With this fund, we by encouraging upcoming Jim and Sandy’s philan- created maintenance
acknowledge the outstand- student researchers to lead thropy includes gifting the endowments to help ensure
ing faculty work which the way. College with the Napolitan the Napolitan Alumni House
undergirds student research Alumni House, and making and the Science Center
in the psychology depart- Notably, the Napolitans are a significant contribution endure for generations
ment,” Jim said. “Further, longtime generous Franklin toward the Napolitan to come. Beyond their
one of our hopes in estab- College supporters. They Student Center construc- endowed psychology fund,
lishing this fund is that are, in part, inspired by a tion. Additionally, they the Napolitans fund two
others will be encouraged legacy begun by Sandy’s funded multiple rooms endowed scholarships, one
to adopt a department and grandfather, James Frank in the Johnson Center for for students majoring in
consider ways in which Mock 1895. Sixteen fam- Fine Arts, and supported the education and the other
to support the academic ily members have since Von Boll Welcome Center in mathematics. Further,
enterprise.” attended the College, and construction, Richardson the couple have graciously
four relatives/extended Chapel renovation and hosted several alumni social
The Napolitans’ passion family members have Branigin Athletic Field events over the years. J
for psychology stems from served on the board of development. They also
their own professional trustees.
14 Franklin College MAGAZINECONNECTING KIDS TO COLLEGE
Franklin College has secured a $50,000 planning grant from the higher education enrollment and success of
Lilly Endowment Inc. through the Indiana Youth Programs traditionally underserved students,” states the Endowment
on Campus (IYPC) initiative. The grant will enable develop- website. “Recent declines in college enrollment of Indiana’s
ment of meaningful on-campus programming for under- high school graduates, from 65% in 2015 to 59% in 2019,
privileged youth in Indiana, providing an opportunity to according to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education,
explore interests, learn new skills and envision a future for make these challenges even more compelling.”
themselves in college, potentially at Franklin.
In a further effort to be part of the solution to Indiana’s
“IYPC is intended, among other things, to help address looming higher-education challenges, Franklin College will
Indiana’s unacceptably low rankings in the percentage apply to the Endowment for an IYPC implementation grant
of its adult population with a bachelor’s degree or a this May. J
meaningful postsecondary credential and to help increase
Your Franklin Fund gifts matter.
FRANKLIN FUND
GIFTS
● Help students who need scholarships
and other financial assistance during
the ongoing pandemic
●
● Advance innovation, leadership
and action opportunities for students
and alumni
●
● Demonstrate confidence in the
College’s reputation and value
PHOTOS BY CHAD WILLIAMS
Make a gift at FranklinCollege.edu/give SPRING 2022 15ALUMNI
The Franklin College Board of Trustees recently elected a new chair,
Pete Cangany ’80, and welcomed three new members, Yolanda Askew ’90,
Amber (Robbins) Elwood ’99 and Yolanda (Smith) White ’92.
ON BOARD
President Kerry Prather said, “The for me, and it’s now my turn to pay it Franklin College presented Askew
perspectives these alumni bring from forward.” with a Distinguished Alumni Award
their personal college experiences, in October 2021 in recognition of
professional expertise and leadership Over the years, he and spouse Ann her professional achievements and
roles are tremendous assets for guid- have provided generous philanthropic community impact. She currently is
ing policy at Franklin College. We are support for a variety of Franklin working with Franklin College leaders
extremely proud and grateful to have College initiatives, including student on a new initiative to involve alumni
them so actively engaged as we all scholarships. They are funders of the in helping students prepare for and
work to ensure a bright and prosper- Cangany Family Scholarship as well as access internship opportunities.
ous future for the institution and our the endowed Pete and Ann Cangany Askew resides in Jamaica, New York.
students.” Leadership Award. College campaigns
for the sciences and athletics also have Askew said, “(At Franklin) I learned
Cangany holds a bachelor’s degree benefited from their generosity. The how to advocate not only for myself
in accounting and economics from Canganys currently reside in Bellevue, but for others and most importantly
Franklin College and a Master of Washington, and are the parents of it helped lay the foundation for me to
Business Administration from Texas three married children and grand- be able to confidently walk into places
A&M University – Mays Business parents of two children. no matter who is at the table and
School. He is retired from EY (Ernst & take a seat, shine bright and never
Young), where he successfully built Askew holds a bachelor’s degree in be intimidated about bringing my
a nearly 40-year career focused on journalism from Franklin College and a full authentic self.”
working with diversified financial Master of Science in city and regional
services organizations. Cangany planning from the Pratt Institute. She Elwood holds a bachelor’s degree in
has served on the Franklin Board of is the director of sales fulfillment and elementary education from Franklin
Trustees since 2008, previously helping special projects for NBCUniversal, College and a master’s degree in
guide the finance, physical facilities where she is part of the sales and education from Olivet University.
and audit committees. marketing team at WNBC. She also She is in her 23rd year as a teacher
helps drive corporate philanthropy employed with the Bartholomew
Cangany said, “It’s truly an honor to and community initiatives. Her Consolidated School Corp. in
be elected as chair by my fellow advisory roles include vetting commu- Columbus, Indiana.
trustees. These are interesting times nity organizations for grant funding
for higher education, particularly as well as helping manage employee She indicated Franklin College was
for small, private institutions like resource programs to grow, develop integral to her personal and profes-
Franklin College; however, collectively and retain the Black talent population sional development. “Having been
as trustees in support of the adminis- within the corporation. Further, she is a first-generation graduate and a
tration, faculty and staff, I believe we co-founder of NBCUniversal’s Young small-town country girl, Franklin
can make a difference in the personal Professional Academy, which pairs opened the doors to many academic
lives and careers of our current and employee-mentors with young men and social opportunities. Through
future students. Franklin College of color who attend public boys’ high academics and internships, I was
opened the doors to the unimaginable schools serving the boroughs of New prepared to be a highly effective
York City and Newark, New Jersey. teacher.”
16 Franklin College MAGAZINEPHOTOS BY PADGETT’S, CHAD WILLIAMS AND
BARTHOLOMEW CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL CORP.
Elwood and spouse John are
generous longtime supporters of the
Franklin Fund and sponsors of the
#GRIZTuesday annual campaigns
supporting Franklin College athletics.
The Elwoods have three children and
reside in Columbus. Pete Cangany ’80
White holds a bachelor’s degree in
journalism from Franklin College. She Yolanda Askew ’90
is the corporate communications team
lead for American Honda Motor Co.
in Greensburg, Indiana. She oversees
internal and external communications
at Honda’s Indiana Auto Plant.
Prior to joining Honda, White
served as a senior account executive
and the diversity manager for a
public relations agency. There, her
professional contributions included
co-creating an internship boot camp
targeting students of color. The
Amber (Robbins) Elwood ’99
program won an industry-diversity
award, the first for the PR agency.
As a Franklin College student, White
Yolanda (Smith) White ’92
also was involved in diversity
initiatives, including co-founding the
Student Association for the Support
“We are extremely proud
and grateful to have them
of Minorities (SASOM). Diversity and
equality continue to be among her
so actively engaged as we
personal and professional priorities.
all work to ensure
“I’ve benefited from an outstanding
education that focused on real-world
a bright and prosperous
learning and work experiences
through internships. I’m grateful to
future for the institution
now be able to serve as a trustee, and
to give back to an institution that
means so much to me.”
and our students.”
White and spouse James have one
adult son and a teenage son, and PRESIDENT KERRY PRATHER
reside in Indianapolis. J
SPRING 2022 17LANDMARK
LEADERS
A name can be a powerful way to help make a first
impression, tell a story and leave an impact. When
that name is associated with an influential figure in
U.S. history and a significant local landmark, it should
be preserved for public record and education. Such was
the impetus for a team project born from Leadership
Johnson County (LJC) at Franklin College, class of 2021.
LJC offers the public a 1873-1951. The school’s Methodist Episcopal
signature nine-month namesake, Washington, was Church, were once united
program plus one-day born into slavery in Virginia. with the Booker T.
seminars and workshops When emancipated after Washington School to
to help support leader- the Civil War, he overcame form the nexus of the Black
ship skills development, tremendous odds to secure community in Franklin.
community engagement an education. He later Gray had given presen- today stands on the former
and collaboration. Each became an influential tations on the school to school’s footprint, and
year, a new class of partic- college teacher, political the congregations of the to add educational
ipants is selected from a orator and published author, two churches, as well as components to help others
countywide applicant pool as well as founder of the to patrons of the Johnson understand the significance
for the signature program. educational institution County Public Library of it.
A key element in the known today as Tuskegee branches. Those experiences
program experience is University. The school convinced him of just how On May 6, 2021, the efforts
community service, and bearing his name on meaningful it would be to concluded with reded-
each class divides into Madison St. in Franklin honor the original name. ication of the Booker T.
smaller teams to envision ceased operations in 1951, Washington Community
and enact a project of their was razed 30 years later Gray found enthusiastic Center. On the facility’s
choosing. and then replaced by a partners in Jim Engmark, exterior, Franklin Parks and
community center. Shadi Lilly, Levi McNeely Recreation employees
Last year’s LJC class included and Nicole Otte, and they helped the DREAM Team
a group who adopted The idea to reconnect formed the DREAM Team. build a walking trail
the nickname DREAM Washington’s name to the Their work included gath- memorializing local Black
Team, a reflection of their area the school once stood ering stories from former leaders such as Ethel
commitment to diversity came from DREAM Team students and educators to Harnett, a longtime teacher
in recreation for education, member the Rev. Douglas help document the school’s who became principal of
alliance and motivation. Gray, a current visiting local and state historical the Booker T. Washington
Their service project lecturer of religion at significance. Further, the School; Hattie Fossett-Caine,
focused on the Booker T. Franklin College and team appealed to Franklin Franklin’s first beautician,
Washington School, the formerly the pastor at Parks and Recreation and podiatrist and massage
only place Black students Second Baptist Church in other community groups therapist; Arthur Henry
in Franklin, Indiana, could Franklin. That church, plus to support renaming the Wilson 1902, M.D., Franklin
get their education from the nearby Bethel African community center that College’s first Black graduate;
18 Franklin College MAGAZINESUBMITTED
MARCHING ON
More than 54 years after his assassination, the
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ph.D., continues
inspiring others to strive for social justice and
equity. The Franklin College community has
a tradition of celebrating King’s legacy on the
annual federal holiday. The 2022 day of celebra-
tion on campus included a voter registration
event to raise awareness about legislation and
voting rights, as well as encourage student
engagement. The day also involved a march
around campus, during which faculty, staff and
The DREAM Team: Jim
Engmark, Levi McNeely, students united in singing “We Shall Overcome”
Nicole Otte, Shadi Lilly and and “This Little Light of Mine.” The day concluded
Doug Gray with Convocation Lecture Series visiting speaker
Shaun Harper, Ph.D., who presented “Modern-Day
Applications to the Mission and Legacy of the
and George Marion influenced the city of
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Harper teaches
Robinson 1911, an educator, Franklin, as well as the
at the University of Southern California in the
talented tenor and musical team’s success in document-
Marshall School of Business and has worked
director for several churches. ing new information from
with more than 400 businesses and educational
individuals impacted by
Inside the center, more institutions on diversity, equity and inclusion
the former school, earned
educational displays provide matters. J
recognition from the
depth to the school’s signifi- Indiana Historical Society
cance. The center’s location (IHS) last November. At
on the grounds of Palmer that time, IHS named the
Park also is noteworthy. The LJC Program at Franklin
park is named for Herriott College and the DREAM
Palmer, who, prior to her Team a 2021 Founders
death in 1951, stipulated Day Award recipient. The
that her estate be used to award recognizes all the
establish a playground for partnerships and efforts
children of color in Franklin. that culminated in the
Palmer was a prominent Booker T. Washington Com-
community figure, having munity Center rededication,
been a teacher then princi- and carries the distinction
pal at Franklin High School,
CHAD WILLIAMS
“Outstanding Collaborative
prior to joining the Franklin Project.” J
College faculty.
The DREAM Team’s efforts
to bring greater attention to
Black leaders who have
SPRING 2022 19NOVEL IDEA A book release party on March 15 gave Music Department Chair and Director
of Choral Activities Casey J. Hayes, Ph.D., the chance to share a reading from
his original novel, When the Music Stopped . . . Willy Rosen’s Holocaust. Hayes
participated in a Q&A session and signed books for guests afterward.
The novel, printed by Amsterdam Publishers, The Netherlands, is Hayes’ fiction-
alized historical account of Rosen’s life, from his time as a celebrated German
soldier in WWI, to a famous entertainer, and finally to a victim of Auschwitz’s
gas chambers. The heart-warming yet tragic story illustrates that beauty can
exist amid horror.
Hayes, the A.J. Thurston Endowed Chair of Music at Franklin College, earned
CHAD WILLIAMS
his doctorate in music education from the Steinhardt School of Education
at New York University. An interest in Weimar Germany and its brief yet
beautiful emergence of culture led to Hayes’ discovery of Rosen’s music
and his fascinating but largely unknown life.
Casey J. Hayes, Ph.D.
In 2021, Hayes was selected an Austrian Fulbright Scholar and named the
Fulbright-Botstiber Visiting Professor of Austrian-American Studies at the
University for Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. His research topic, Rosa
Wien; Gay Rights, Schlager and Self-Exile: 1918-1939, focused upon the flight of
Vienna’s LGBTQI+ and Jewish cabaret communities during the Anschluss, and
their recreation of Viennese cabaret in the United States. Hayes’ original
research fueled his newly released book. J
PROFESSOR RECEIVES REGIONAL HONOR
The Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association (GLATA) association commended Williams for his work “to push the
presented the Dedicated Service Award this spring to Jeff profession forward through teaching future practioners
Williams, Ph.D., assistant professor of athletic training and and contributing to new knowledge through original
coordinator of clinical education. research and service.”
Williams joined the Franklin College faculty in 2016, bring- Additionally, the association praised Williams for his volun-
ing professional expertise and a passion for teaching that tary service to the district level as coordinator of the GLATA
help distinguish the Master of Science in Athletic Training Diversity and Inclusion Committee and to the national level
program. as a NATA Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Access Task Force
member.
The GLATA Dedicated Service
CHAD WILLIAMS
Award recognized Williams for “I think that whether it’s treating patients in the field,
demonstrating “a superior level teaching pre-service ATs in the classroom or contributing to
of excellence in managing and new knowledge in a research lab, when we collectively do
completing projects with the these things — and a host of other things — with integrity
goal and outcome of creating a and excellence the profession advances,” Williams said in
positive image of GLATA and the the NATA News article.
athletic training profession.”
Williams earned his bachelor’s degree from Olivet Nazarene
In advance of the award presen- University, and his master’s and doctoral degrees from
tation, Williams also received Illinois State University. His athletic training expertise in-
recognition in the magazine of cludes clinical research topics surrounding the assessment
the National Athletic Trainers’ and correction of movement and dysfunction, mainly in
Jeff Williams, Ph.D. Association, NATA News. The the upper limbs and spine. J
20 Franklin College MAGAZINECHAD WILLIAMS
Eric DeForest, DMA,
assistant professor of music
RECOGNITION
AND RETIREMENT
Prior to her recent retire-
ment, Barbara Chambers,
administrative assistant for
the finance division, was
selected recipient of the
Margaret Hommell Staff
Service Excellence Award.
She received the award at
RENEE KEAN ’06
CAREER HIGH NOTE the 28th Annual Employee
Appreciation and Holiday
Celebration Luncheon in
Nominators sang the praises of 2022 Adjunct Faculty Excellence December 2021. Barbara Chambers
Award recipient Eric DeForest, DMA, assistant professor of music.
DeForest received the award at a luncheon hosted by the board of A nominator described Chambers as “one of
trustees in February. the most courteous, respectful, helpful employees
I have had the pleasure to work with.”
One nomination letter indicated, “He is a clear and effective
communicator who is able to instill understanding of the “In addition, she is patient and helpful while
nuance of singing to all his students, regardless of their previous overseeing the payroll for students in the campus
experience. It is only through his constructive feedback and Work Study program,” the nominator added.
willingness on the part of the student to improve that the results
Other nominators praised Chambers for continu-
could be what they are.”
ally embracing and mastering new technologies
As example, the letter cited significant attention DeForest and his to help the College streamline payroll and
students received last fall after the results of a statewide singing employment application processes over the
competition. Seven of the 12 Franklin students DeForest mentored years, and for routinely volunteering to help
placed in the competition, surpassing vocalists at IU Jacobs with academic ceremonies, food-drive campaigns
School of Music, Butler, Ball State, Notre Dame and Indiana State. and employee-search committees. Chambers
Moreover, Franklin College had the most winners of any institu- began working at the College in 1995, initially in
tion in the state in the musical theatre category. (See related story development, and then transitioned to business
Page 11.) and finance, where she was secretary to the vice
president the last 21 years.
The students’ success in the recent competition is only one of
the dozens of positive outcomes credited to DeForest, an adjunct In her free time, Chambers officiates swimming
faculty member since 2012. He brings extensive professional competitions, primarily at high schools and
music experience as a trained opera singer, who has performed colleges, though she previously was selected
nationally and internationally. He is also a longtime, accomplished a judge for the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials.
studio-voice teacher. She holds officiating awards from the Indiana
High School Athletic Association and National
In describing music’s importance to the liberal arts, DeForest Federation of State High School Associations.
said, “Whatever a student’s career goal is, be that a teacher, music She is sought as a professional evaluator to help
therapist, Broadway star or CEO, singing will help them engage other swimming officials improve their skills.
and develop confidence and communication skills, which are tools
they will need in their chosen professions.” The Margaret Hommell Staff Service Excellence
Award memorializes a staff member who
Nominations were invited from faculty, staff and students of the exemplified college spirit and served on the Staff
College, and a group of former award winners chose the recipient. Service Award Committee for several years prior
Criteria included mastery of subject, evidence of engaged learning to her death in 2006. J
and demonstrated respect for all students. J
SPRING 2022 21AWARD FINALIST TALK
SUBMITTED
For the second consecutive year, Franklin College is a nominee in the Mira
Awards competition honoring “the best of tech in Indiana.”
The College is a contender in the Tech Education category of the 23rd annual
competition hosted by TechPoint, Indiana’s growth accelerator for the tech
sector. TechPoint will announce Mira Award recipients in 12 different categories
at a gala the evening of April 23.
“Regardless of the results that night, it is a significant honor to be selected as
a finalist in a category celebrating educators and education innovators who
inspire and have a positive impact on student achievement,” said Franklin
College President Kerry Prather.
REAL TALK Franklin College previously earned Honorable Mention in the Mira Awards
Pandemic Pivot category for its successful transition to fully online instruction
in spring 2020 due to Covid-19 precautions. J
A former Microsoft, Yahoo and
Amazon executive spoke at
Franklin College on April 7,
concluding the 2021–22
TECH BOOT CAMPS
Convocation Lecture Series.
David Gerbitz presented “Decoding
FOR ALUMNI
Digital Fluency,” a glimpse of
his career journey through
the evolving digital landscape,
and his observation of how
liberal arts graduates are
essential to today’s workforce. TALK
The digital landscape demands Franklin College and Eleven Fifty Academy are partnering to offer tech boot
a hyperdynamic workforce camps for alumni looking to grow their career skills and connections through
that is agile, collaborative and short-term education and training, better known as upskilling.
innovative, he said. Individuals
Eleven Fifty Academy is a nonprofit training school offering coding courses and
with liberal arts backgrounds
programs for career changers, professionals looking to add skills and job seekers
who are adept critical-thinkers
newly launching their careers. The tech boot camps offered to Franklin graduates
and problem-solvers have the
will help participants build upon their prior college course-content knowledge
versatility to meet and change
and skills while ramping up tech fundamentals.
with industry demands, as well
as to help advance business News of the tech boot camps was shared on Zoom in January when the College
outcomes and societal changes. and Eleven Fifty Academy co-hosted an information session for alumni.
Gerbitz today serves as the chief Guest Jacob Hash ’19 highlighted how his liberal arts education in combination
people officer at Qurate Retail with his technical certificate from Eleven Fifty Academy has opened up new
Group, and he regularly consults professional opportunities. The Academy has two Indiana locations, Indianapolis
on leadership and business and Fishers. Courses are offered in-person and online.
performance in tech, retail and
media environments. J For Franklin alumni interested in accelerating their career by earning a
certificate or supplementing their degree, a tech boot camp can help. Further,
scholarships are available to alumni through the Franklin College Digital Fluency
Initiative. Learn more and apply for a scholarship at elevenfifty.org/admissions/
franklin-college. J
22 Franklin College MAGAZINEDylan Campbell ’23 concentrates at the keyboard.
TALENT
MEETS TECH
Three Franklin students stood
out among more than 2,000
CHAD WILLIAMS
applicants vying for paid
summer positions in the
MAJOR
TechPoint Xtern program. Kylee
Gaskins ’24, James Shelton ’23
and Brooke Stephens ’25 landed
what the program marketers
call “the ultimate tech internship
experience.”
NEWS A new data science major at Franklin provides a direct path
The TechPoint Xtern program takes place in for students seeking career opportunities in the rapidly
Indianapolis and provides students the opportunity growing field.
to work alongside industry leaders at some of the
fastest growing tech companies, make friends Data science is an interdisciplinary field in which mathe-
with more than 100 other Xterns from around the matics and statistics, computer science and content-specific
country and experience all that Indianapolis has to domain knowledge, such as business or political science,
offer professionally, recreationally and culturally. intersect.
TechPoint was formed in 2003, after the Indiana “Many Franklin College graduates are already working in
Software Association and the Indiana Information the data science field with companies such as Salesforce,
Technology Association merged. In 2006, TechPoint Facebook and Eli Lilly and Company,” said Kristin Flora,
then became part of the Central Indiana Corporate Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and dean of the
Partnership, which brings together chief executives college. “The goal of creating the new major is to make it
of prominent corporations, foundations and easier for our graduates to make their way into the field
universities in a strategic and collaborative effort without having to double major or attend graduate school
dedicated to the region’s continued prosperity for additional training.”
and growth.
Flora said the new major reflects Franklin’s commitment to
In total, 20 Franklin College students applied to the liberal arts by retaining the core curriculum, while add-
the TechPoint Xtern program. A rigorous application ing a carefully balanced selection of mathematics, statistics
review process narrowed the 2,000 initial candidates and computer science courses so students can learn the
to 800 for interviews. Of those, only 147 were selected skills they need to be successful as data scientists.
and matched with Indiana tech companies as Xterns.
“The new major has some unique features versus those
Gaskins, a business management major, will be an offered at other colleges and universities, including a data
Xtern with NextGear Capital. Shelton double majors ethics component, a data equity and bias course, and the
in computer science and software engineering, ability for students to choose a related field of study that
and will spend his summer as a network operations applies data science techniques,” said Flora.
Xtern with NineStar Connect. Stephens double majors
The College has added three other new majors, neuro-
in business and Spanish, and will be an Xtern with
science, sports communications and actuarial science, in
Stanley Security. J
recent years. J
SPRING 2022 23HARNESSING
life’s lessons
A survivor of the 9/11 terrorist attacks travels the globe
today to share the story of escaping with his guide dog,
Roselle, as an inspiring example of teamwork built on
trust. Michael Hingson was working on the 78th floor
of the World Trade Center’s north tower when the
first hijacked airplane hit. The descent to safety and
subsequent getaway from the tower prior to its
collapse were the backdrop of his recent lecture at
Franklin College, “Labrador Lessons from a Canine Hero.”
For Hingson, who was born misconceptions about blind- career working for high- Beyond his career in tech,
blind, what he heard, sensed ness gives him significant tech companies, primarily Hingson, with his current
and felt that September stories to tell, with the goal in management roles, and guide dog, Alamo, serves as
morning is forever etched of giving others practical then he became CEO of a Council for Independent
in his mind. From the odor advice on working around an assistive technology Colleges Visiting Fellow,
of burning jet fuel in the challenges. manufacturer, which enabling guest lectures
stairway to the collapse of produced a revolutionary about courage, heroism and
the first tower, which he “The biggest problem I face visual interpreter for blind teamwork at schools and
likened to the sound of in the world isn’t that I’m people. other organizations across
“metal flattening like a blind. It’s that because I’m the nation. Hingson’s week
freight train as glass is blind, people don’t think I Today, he is chief vision in Franklin included visiting
tinkling and breaking” can do stuff,” Hingson said. officer of accessBe, and with six classes of students
combined with the “white is helping advance the at the College as well as
He has spent a lifetime company goal of making
noise of a waterfall,” he engaging with several
demonstrating all the things the entire internet fully
vividly recalls the details. student organizations and
he can do, from learning to inclusive by 2025. His efforts campus leaders. He also
Hingson and his guide dog ride a bicycle independently include hosting the podcast spoke at a college alumni
relied on each other for during childhood, to navi- “Unstoppable Mindset: luncheon in Indianapolis,
safety and comfort and gating public high school where inclusion, diversity and made visits to a
helped many others stay and transportation systems and the unexpected meet.” Franklin elementary school,
focused during the escape with a guide dog, to earning He uses the podcast to book shop and service
that day. Now, the 9/11 bachelor’s and master’s interview persons who have organization. During visits,
experience coupled with degrees in physics. Further, inspiring stories to tell. Hingson signed copies of
a lifetime of overcoming he built a nearly 30-year
his New York Times best-
24 Franklin College MAGAZINECHAD WILLIAMS
ORAL HISTORY PRIMER
Indiana Campus Compact selected Franklin College for a
High Impact Community Engagement Practices grant that
will enable a team of students to collect oral histories from
prominent college community members.
Meredith Clark-Wiltz, Ph.D., associate professor and
Hon. Roger D. Branigin Chair in History, and David Pfeiffer,
director of the Johnson County Museum of History,
will co-lead the student team throughout the process
of researching college history, interviewing college
community members, presenting findings and preserving
the work. Students will interview longtime trustees, past
administrators, emeriti faculty and distinguished alumni
to collect a variety of unique perspectives.
Inspiration for the project stems from the approaching
bicentennial anniversaries of Johnson County and the
city of Franklin in 2023, and is part of a larger countywide
initiative to preserve significant historical records in the
interest of the community. The Johnson County Museum of
History and B.F. Hamilton Library at the College will catalog
the work for future reference.
“This project provides valuable opportunities for our
history students to apply academic concepts and meth-
odological approaches to meaningful, community-facing
Franklin College President Kerry Prather, 9/11 projects,” said Clark-Wiltz. “Through this experience,
survivor Michael Hingson and his guide dog, Alamo
students will advance their academic understanding
and digital fluency, while reflecting on their professional
selling book, Thunder Dog: development and civic engagement.” J
The True Story of a Blind
Man, His Guide Dog and
the Triumph of Trust. His
second book, Running with Making Chamber inroads
Roselle, sheds light on 9/11
for youth. Franklin College President Kerry Prather has gained a new leadership role since his
election to the Indy Chamber Board of Directors in January 2022.
Hingson’s lecture was
part of the Franklin The Indy Chamber serves as a voice of progress and improvement in the region, uniting
College Convocation business and community to maintain a strong economy and quality of life. The board
Lecture Series, underwritten manages the full scope of the Indy Chamber’s business, including the organizational
by the Tillman Lecture Fund budget. Board members include CEOs, presidents and executives in banking, education,
and established by Trustee health care and the legal field, among others.
Doug Tillman ’70. J
“I am excited to engage more intensely in the work of the Indy Chamber and am proud
to join its board of directors,” said Prather. “The Chamber’s work throughout the region
is important and impactful, as is the involvement of Franklin College. We have enjoyed
the opportunities afforded by our membership and look forward to continuing this
mutually beneficial relationship.”
Franklin College has been a member of the Indy Chamber since 2014. J
SPRING 2022 25You can also read
